GUEST OPINION: Closing CCA would have a negative impact on Freetown

Saturday

Jun 7, 2014 at 6:40 PMJun 7, 2014 at 6:44 PM

Jean Fox

I’m writing in strong opposition to Articles 1 and 2 on the Freetown Special Town Meeting warrant for 7 p.m. Monday, June 16. If approved, these articles, submitted by petition from a small group of misinformed citizens, will set Freetown back years in a myriad of ways and will cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue. These articles, aimed at shutting down Cape Cod Aggregates, seek to prohibit commercial excavation or removal of processing of earth materials and set a disturbing precedent for all businesses in town.

CCA is operating under a three-year permit, issued unanimously by the Freetown Soil Conservation Board, with site-specific conditions thoughtfully and carefully crafted for the protection of the town and the neighborhood.

My hope is that Town Meeting voters will see through this desperate attempt to harm a local, family-owned business that has been nothing but a true community partner on so many levels.

Over the years CCA has paid the town of Freetown more than $600,000 in tipping fees, property taxes, and permitting fees.

CCA also has contributed generously to community needs.

The push to shut down CCA began with a small group of Berkley and Freetown residents who have been laser-focused on finding fault with the company since the first permit was issued to CCA in 2007. There is nothing mysterious or harmful about aggregates; they are the basic building blocks of the construction industry. Without aggregates there would be no schools, hospitals, roads or homes. Yet these opponents remain determined to halt an operation that has been nothing but transparent and cooperative.

Among other strategies, these opponents have interjected fiction as fact at meetings before the Soil Board, using so-called paid “experts” to spread falsehoods in attempts to block the permitting process, and they have managed to promote confusion among abutters. All of their unfounded accusations have been proven false on multiple fronts.

Freetown needs businesses like CCA to support public safety, schools, and so much more. As a family-owned business, the company understands the need to give back to its host community, and CCA never fails to display anything other than unparalleled generosity. This financial support to Freetown is so vital to maintaining quality of life. These are monies that would otherwise come from taxpayers — or, more likely, would not be available at all.

CCA, to its credit, has deep respect for our fallen heroes and those whose memory and sacrifice must live on. For example, CCA has supported the Tyler J. Trahan Memorial Fund and the VFW’s POW/MIA Memorial Chair (to be dedicated at the end of the month).

The company regularly donates to organizations such as the Freetown Youth Athletic Association and the Freetown parade and fireworks.

From this past February to the present, for example, CCA has donated close to $6,500 to local groups, and recently purchased an ATV for the Police Department so that our officers can access the many areas of our community that cannot be reached by cruiser during an emergency. The company has been a consistent presence during weather-related emergencies.

And so I urge Freetown residents to vote “no” on Articles 1 and 2 on Sept. 16 at the Freetown Elementary School on Memorial Drive. Adoption of these articles would have ramifications far beyond a critical loss in revenue to the town; it would result in a very costly legal battle; and it would set extremely dangerous precedent. If CCA can be shut down by a few folks — despite every good effort made by CCA as well as local and state officials to ensure that the operation is well run and is safe — what business will be next on this hit list? Voters of Freetown should not be fooled.

The residents of Freetown recognize the need for economic development to help maintain levels of service across the board.

All residents rightfully expect that these businesses will be subject to careful scrutiny and oversight, which is why the town has public safety officials and town boards reviewing records and making personal visits.

A CCA-type operation is also answerable to state and local authorities, not to mention the federal Mine Safety Health Administration.

In every instance this company has met all requirements, often going above and beyond to allay fears and address concerns. There is not a single reported incident in which the company’s operation has exceeded any threshold for noise, vibration, dust, particulate matter, air quality, and/or water quality.

On the contrary, the results of testing and monitoring demonstrate consistently lower impacts than permitted by regulation and law. The company’s test wells are reviewed regularly by independent third-party hydrologists.

These reports as well as all others are always available for public viewing.

CCA is a well-run, carefully monitored company, and a key asset to Freetown. So just say no to Articles 1 and 2.

Jean Fox is a former member of the Freetown Board of Selectmen. She currently serves as project manager for South Coast Rail.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.